Germane to the conversation last week about the possibility of the Flames dealing a number of their more tradeable assets from last week's 5T is that in the seven days since that was published there sure is starting to be a lot more of that "Iginla's definitely getting traded" talk kicking around. That includes very legitimate speculation about where he could go and even disquieted, somewhat-annoyed quotes from the man himself yesterday.

So with that in mind, I figured it might be wise to look at the five teams I've heard brought up most often in connection with Iginla's name, and whether they can match the rumored asking price of a first-round pick in this year's draft, a (possibly defensive) prospect and a solid roster player with whom they might be willing to part.

1. Pittsburgh Penguins

This is the team you most often hear in connection with Iginla, and one that seems to make the most sense on paper. Jarome Iginla playing alongside Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, James Neal, and Kris Letang on a top power play unit seems particularly unfair in general to the rest of the NHL, even as the Penguins continue to pile goals on everyone they play. Plus Canadians in particular would like to see Crosby slotted in with Iginla just so they can relive that overtime goal a few dozen more times a night.

Do they have the pieces? Do they ever. If the Flames, as rumored, want defensive prospects in particular. The Pens have Joe Morrow, Simon Despres, Olli Maata, Scott Harrington and Brian Dumoulin all looking like they're going to be NHLers at some point in the next few years. They also have their first-round pick for this season, and a guy like Tyler Kennedy seems like the roster player the Pens would be happy to part with in exchange for a player of Iginla's reputation.

Will it happen? Probably not. As Rob Rossi pointed out over the weekend, it's tough to see where Iginla fits in with the Pens, as their top two right-wing slots seem to be as full as they are down the middle. With Crosby goes Chris Kunitz, who's on 18 goals and 40 points in 31 games. With Malkin goes Neal, who scored 40 goals last season and is up to 17 this year. So why on earth would the Pens give up that kind of haul for someone who would be relegated to third-line minutes and power play specializing? Doesn't make sense, even the team probably has the best combination of pieces the Flames would want. Unfortunately for Jay Feaster, that just isn't how it works.

2. Boston Bruins

You hear this one a lot too, and it makes a pretty healthy amount of sense as well. Maybe the return wouldn't be quite as good, but this is a team that has more obvious deficiencies in attack than Pittsburgh.

Do they have the pieces? Their prospect pool is a little top-heavy from what I can tell, and they're sure not about to let Dougie Hamilton go. Would Calgary take a Ryan Spooner or potentially Alex Khoklachev — maybe even Jordan Caron, but that seems unlikely — as forward prospects? Tough to say. It is important to note, though, that the roster player the Bruins give up would likely be better than Tyler Kennedy (think perhaps Dan Paille or Greg Campbell). They do have their first-round pick for this year, but given the team's quality, it could be exceedingly low.

Will it happen? Gun to my head, this is the team to which Iginla would be traded if he were, just because they might have the greatest need for him and might therefore be a little more desperate to acquire him than everyone else.

3. Los Angeles Kings

This is a club that's only more recently come up for discussion as being interested, but that's like, "Capital I" Interested, from everything I've read. I'm a little skeptical, but let's at least look under the rock for the sake of doing so.

Do they have the pieces? They traded their first-rounder to Columbus in the Jeff Carter trade, but they're probably pretty happy with the move considering how the playoffs went for them. Nonetheless, that's probably a hurdle they'd have to get over in a hurry if this were to happen. On the other hand, if you want defensive prospects, the Kings have a few, perhaps most notably rookie Jake Muzzin who's been very good on their blue line this year but could be the price they have to pay for someone to help on their right wing. As for a roster player, they have a few useful forwards Calgary probably wouldn't hate choosing from.

Will it happen? Well, let's just say Justin Williams is getting their second-line right wing minutes, so Iginla would almost certainly be an upgrade. It also makes sense in the reuniting of Iginla and Darryl Sutter. The rumors of interest kicked up fast, which makes me think there's more to it than just idle HFBoards-ing from the hockey media. I wouldn't be shocked if it happened but man, their not having a first-round pick in this draft has to be considered a major impediment. Can you imagine Feaster trying to justify that return?

4. San Jose Sharks

This, on the other hand, seems the ultimate in idle HFBoards-ing. The Sharks currently sit in eighth place as of this writing, tied with Phoenix and (haha) Columbus at 30 points and if they're going to wring one more meager attempt at doing something noteworthy in their playoffs, this looks like their only chance.

Do they have the pieces? Their prospect pool is a little bare from what I can surmise, but they have a couple decent-ish players in the system. No one that'll bowl you over but a few that project into decent NHLers, including Tomas Hertl and Matt Nieto. Whether they'd be willing to give up their best prospect or two is, I guess, another matter. They also probably have a decent roster player like TJ Galiardi or Tommy Wingels to deal, and they haven't offloaded their first-rounder yet either.

Will it happen? If the rumors are to be believed, they'd probably have to get into a bidding war with the Kings, a division rival, and that doesn't seem like something that would go well for the Sharks overall. One imagines they'd have to get exceedingly desperate to pull it off, which isn't out of the realm of possibility.

5. Detroit Red Wings

Of the teams with an outside shot to land Iginla, I'd say the Red Wings are the front-runners. They're trying to keep hope alive with regard to making the playoffs, Iginla certainly helps pad out that lead they have over eighth, which is three points and can't feel all that comfortable. But if they think this makes them in any way a contender, they're sadly mistaken.

Do they have the pieces? They're not giving up Brendan Smith, but a number of other defensive prospects look fairly intriguing, as do a few forwards as well (Jurco, Frk, Jarnkrok, Nyqvist, Tatar and other guys with silly last names probably). They have their first-round pick, and maybe they throw in an Eaves or Abdelkader to round out the deal. Not a great haul, but one that seems at least a little realistic.

Will it happen? Again, this looks like a team that would have the pieces if they didn't have anyone bidding against them, but I don't know how that returns stands up against, say, LA's or Boston's, except to say, "Not that well."

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I agree, i think boston will be the destination if one. The combonation of trying to get over the pens hump and the style of play both fit. I would like to see the flames grab spooner, peverley and a pick. Plus i would love to see a iggy and lucic on a line with which ever center they put with them.

As for Russi's piece - his argument was basically "Iginla doesn't fit here because chemistry" which I find unconvincing. Crosby is the best center of this generation and is therefore instant chemistry - Pascal Dupuis was a third line winger (at best) until he happened to land on the kid's wing. Kunitz was a capable enough top-6 guy, but the reason he's crushing things right now is, again, Crosby.

If you think Iginla is better than one of Dupuis and whoever else plays with Malkin when he's in the line-up (uh...Cooke?) then it makes sense to pursue him from a Penguins perspective. Put him with Crosby, slide Kunitz back to left wing (his natural position) and move Dupuis down the depth chart where he belongs.

Ryan, I really cant see Detroit in the Iggy sweeps, if they are going to part with those kind of assets they are going to persue JBO instead. Now a blockbuster for both Iggy & JBO might net you the 2013 & 2014 1st's, maybe pry out Smith & Tatar as well. That certainly would give Detroit a new look. Doubt Holland would ever do it but fun to speculate.

LA doesnt make sense & the only reason is that D Sutter probably has a ton of influence on Lombardie after bailing his butt that was on thin ice last year & winning the Cup. Darryl tends to make deals that dont make sense in his warped win now mindset. Toffoli, a 2013 2nd & 2014 1st for Iggy & Sarich are something stupid I could see Daryl justifying.

Also, Montreal could be a good trade partner & now before I puke in my mouth could see Vancouver ponying up for Iggy as they are desperate to shake something up. Iggy for Luongo straight across? Before I get shouted at, think about it, Luongo is definitely an asset that could be moved later & there are still no guarantees how Ramo will do next year. Frees up upa Kipper deal, where I read Feaster was attending last nights Leaf game. May mean nothing who knows eh.

As for Russi's piece - his argument was basically "Iginla doesn't fit here because chemistry" which I find unconvincing. Crosby is the best center of this generation and is therefore instant chemistry - Pascal Dupuis was a third line winger (at best) until he happened to land on the kid's wing. Kunitz was a capable enough top-6 guy, but the reason he's crushing things right now is, again, Crosby.

If you think Iginla is better than one of Dupuis and whoever else plays with Malkin when he's in the line-up (uh...Cooke?) then it makes sense to pursue him from a Penguins perspective. Put him with Crosby, slide Kunitz back to left wing (his natural position) and move Dupuis down the depth chart where he belongs.

It may be unconvincing, but the fact is, it's working tremendously well, so why screw with it? Though I would sure love a crack at that pool of D prosepcts.

@RL - Duhatscheck, I think it was, gave a pretty convincing article against Iginla to LA.

Also, I don't get your reasoning for the Pens wanting to give up Kennedy?

Can't see Iginla agrreing to go to SJ. That window has closed IMO.

Boston or Detroit seem the most likely.

I still hate going for the 'package' though. Focus on gettin gone really good thing back and be grateful for it.

Could Detroit fit both JBo and Iginla into their cap hit? They'd have to bring salary back, for sure. How much cap room did Lidstrom retiring leave them?

"He can be moved later" because that has worked out sooooo very well for the 'Nucks.

No.....just.......NO!!!!

There has been speculation about VAN (gag) but I just can't see it. Aside from a complete headache for Feaster to justify, I don't they have the pieces we may want. If they want to go Scneids I would consider it, But, just like the Jbo rumors to EDM, the return would have to be a complete raping of our most hated rivals.

Thanks, I don't watch the Pens much. If this is true then, there is no barrier to Iggy slotting in somewhere in the top two RW spots. If he has to go, I hope it is to Pittsburgh. Obviously since the Pens are not desperate to add pieces and overpay, but if Iggy has to go I hope he wins, and Pittsburgh is the most likely destination for him to win a cup.

It may be unconvincing, but the fact is, it's working tremendously well, so why screw with it?

it's working well because the guy in the center position is an elite talent. You mess with it if you think the player in question (Iginla) is a better player than the current options.

Myself, I probably wouldn't even play Iginla with Crosby in PIT. Malkin and Neal get 60%+ zonestarts and don't face the big boys. That's where Iginla would do the most damage. Move Neal over to LW, put Jarome on the line at ES and then put him on the top PP unit.

"He can be moved later" because that has worked out sooooo very well for the 'Nucks.

No.....just.......NO!!!!

There has been speculation about VAN (gag) but I just can't see it. Aside from a complete headache for Feaster to justify, I don't they have the pieces we may want. If they want to go Scneids I would consider it, But, just like the Jbo rumors to EDM, the return would have to be a complete raping of our most hated rivals.

Now that's interesting, how about a 3-way trade?

Do the Oilers really want JBo? Rex, any insight here?

Is there anything the Pens would really want from the Oilers?

Top D prospect from the Pens to Calgary to complete the deal.

Almost ceratinly would never, ever happen, but an interesting mental exercise.

"He can be moved later" because that has worked out sooooo very well for the 'Nucks.

No.....just.......NO!!!!

There has been speculation about VAN (gag) but I just can't see it. Aside from a complete headache for Feaster to justify, I don't they have the pieces we may want. If they want to go Scneids I would consider it, But, just like the Jbo rumors to EDM, the return would have to be a complete raping of our most hated rivals.

Okay okay!! The idea sounded good the other night after 4 Crowns. I do think Lou is still a good goalie, has value & Lindback doesnt seem to be the answer in Tampa. Could be a flip. That was our thinking anyway.

It may be unconvincing, but the fact is, it's working tremendously well, so why screw with it?

it's working well because the guy in the center position is an elite talent. You mess with it if you think the player in question (Iginla) is a better player than the current options.

Myself, I probably wouldn't even play Iginla with Crosby in PIT. Malkin and Neal get 60%+ zonestarts and don't face the big boys. That's where Iginla would do the most damage. Move Neal over to LW, put Jarome on the line at ES and then put him on the top PP unit.

I suppose, but you know that GMs and coaches don't think like that. I t's bad ju-ju.

The only other thing and correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that although Neal is a natural LW, it was when he was moved over to RW that he really took off. So the team would be naturally reluctant to do that.

Disagree on the Pens for similar reasons that Kent listed; their wingers are very flexible as to which wing they can play, and Dupuis/whichver 3rd liner is playing on Malkin's LW can easily be moved down the rotation. And Iginla would definitely work on one of the top two RW slots; he may not be his old self, but he's still better than at least three of their top four wingers (Neal may be arguable, but he is the definition of a support scorer). You put Crosby with a pair of baby squirrels for his wingers, and those squirrels will still end up with top 6 point totals - his wingers are the biggest passengers in the league (not that they're bad, but this is one situation where the linemate argument holds enough water to fill a swimming pool).

If the proposed returns are accurate then the Pittsburgh deal is hands down the best. I'm not stoked on Tyler Kennedy though and especially not stoked on Paille or Campbell out of Boston... If Cgy could get TWO of those D prospects and a pick out of the Pens that would be better. BTW you forgot to mention Pouliot as another Pens D prospect...

The Pens have some redundancy in their prospects and it would almost be hard to develop them all properly at the same time. Not a bad problem to have but still...

Can't see San Jose at all and agree that LA is a stretch. The more teams mentioned the better but I think this boils down to the Pens and Bruins.

Okay okay!! The idea sounded good the other night after 4 Crowns. I do think Lou is still a good goalie, has value & Lindback doesnt seem to be the answer in Tampa. Could be a flip. That was our thinking anyway.

Yea, Crown will do that to you.

I agree that Lou is still a good goalie, but his 40yr contract is NOT what this organiztion needs. Basically I see Lou being good for less than 1/2 of the remaining years on that contract. After that, average to full on suck!! And at $5mil +

Disagree on the Pens for similar reasons that Kent listed; their wingers are very flexible as to which wing they can play, and Dupuis/whichver 3rd liner is playing on Malkin's LW can easily be moved down the rotation. And Iginla would definitely work on one of the top two RW slots; he may not be his old self, but he's still better than at least three of their top four wingers (Neal may be arguable, but he is the definition of a support scorer). You put Crosby with a pair of baby squirrels for his wingers, and those squirrels will still end up with top 6 point totals - his wingers are the biggest passengers in the league (not that they're bad, but this is one situation where the linemate argument holds enough water to fill a swimming pool).

I also wonder if Iginla, being saddled with a terrible team and trade rumors for the last 4 years or so have taken their toll. A fresh start with two of the best centers in the league as potential linemates will probably re-invigorate him. I think we still see flashes of the old Iggy, but it must be demoralizing to be in his situation (as much as earning 7 million a season can be anyway). I hate to see him leave, but it is clear things will remain a circus in Calgary for a while. I am looking forward to having someone I give a crap about on a contender during the playoffs. Lord knows it isn't going to be a Flame this year.

Disagree on the Pens for similar reasons that Kent listed; their wingers are very flexible as to which wing they can play, and Dupuis/whichver 3rd liner is playing on Malkin's LW can easily be moved down the rotation. And Iginla would definitely work on one of the top two RW slots; he may not be his old self, but he's still better than at least three of their top four wingers (Neal may be arguable, but he is the definition of a support scorer). You put Crosby with a pair of baby squirrels for his wingers, and those squirrels will still end up with top 6 point totals - his wingers are the biggest passengers in the league (not that they're bad, but this is one situation where the linemate argument holds enough water to fill a swimming pool).

Also, will Dupuis or Kunitz or whoever on Crosby's line beat the crap out of someone if they even look at him funny? That is also what Iggy brings to a top 6 and that physical element is needed in the PO.

I am not convinced that the owners have changed their minds from keeping Iggy in a Flames uniform until he retires. The current rumours are more likely a smoke screen for management, we looked at trading Iggy but couldn't find the right return.

While the Flames should move Iggy, its much more likely that Iggy stays with a new contract, and that JBo gets moved. JBo's contract plus the deletion of Cervenka frees up enough money for a top six center.

I am not convinced that the owners have changed their minds from keeping Iggy in a Flames uniform until he retires. The current rumours are more likely a smoke screen for management, we looked at trading Iggy but couldn't find the right return.

While the Flames should move Iggy, its much more likely that Iggy stays with a new contract, and that JBo gets moved. JBo's contract plus the deletion of Cervenka frees up enough money for a top six center.

Honestly, if the return isn't great for Iggy trade him anyway to a contender; give the guy a chance to get the cup he so deserves. If Iggy really wants to stay, I mean REALLY wants to stay, so be it. Sign him to a reasonable contract and move forward, but no longer as the piece we build around.

Ive been saying it the entire season, my biggest reason for wantin got move Iggy is because I want to see him hoist that cup. The return, although important, is secondary.

I wonder if DAL, or whoever DAL may trade Jagr to would like to pick up Cervenka as well and reunite them. I still like Cerv and would like to give him 1 more year. He didn't really come in the best circimstances; injury, shortened season etc.

Trade him to whichever team he's willing to go to that gives the best possible return. Full stop. Anything less is madness and might just get you hired as the next GM.

I don't want him to go to the Pens so that he can play with the Croz, I want him to go to whoever gives the Flames the best return. If that happens to be Florida, and he's willing to go there, so be it. (I realize it wouldn't be FLA, and that he wouldn't go there, just illustrating my point)

I think all the speculation on the Iginla trade only works to prevent it from happening. In the end, whatever offers come in for Iginla will likely be less than all these speculated returns. And if Feaster does make that deal, more fans would be calling for his head than if we did nothing and pretend that the organization is still going for it.

I also believe that Feaster's mandate is to have financial success over team success. And ironically, doing nothing will ultimately appease more fans and sell more jerseys. Just think of all the Iginla retirement paraphernalia they could sell if he retires a flame.

I think Kunitz plays left. Iggy may not be able to score like he used to, but I think Pittsburgh has to look at how they were derailed last year by Philly. Adding another captain that can play in the trenches would help.

I do understand why Pittsburgh would be reluctant to deal young players though. Having a stream of young talented players allows you to keep more expensive top end talent. So it is a big decision.

I'm not terribly interested in being adamant that we get a warm body back for Jarome. I like a Pitt trade for many reasons. Iggy is a proud man. He knows he will get a chance to play with today's best player in Crosby, and Malkin would be his next option. They are a legit contender, unlike Detroit or San Jose. I, too, feel they do have almost too many elite prospect d-men to groom. Why not their first rounder and one or two prospects? Maybe we have to send a Sarich and/or a Jackman (they won't have forhotten their last playoff series) to get the second prospect.

I don't see how getting a Paille or a Campbell is of any value in a Jarome deal, even though Boston probably NEEDS Iggy more than Pitt.

I read Kent's article about his re-build model yesterday, but I think we need to be a little more aggressive at the start. (Which is hopefully in the next two weeks) Therefore, as I posted earlier, I'd like to see J-bo head to Detroit for their first rounder and one or two prospects, say Jarnkrok and Nyquist, or Tatar, or even centre Riley Sheahan.

I also posted that Kipper fits well in TO. So...why not send him there for Komisarek AND their first rounder. If a change helps Komi, great. If not, we can compliance buy-out the guy, or worst case, stick out one more year.

I know this won't happen, but if it did, we would have 4 first round picks this year, four young elite prospects, and Komisarek.

We have enough warm bodies to ice a team for the rest of this year if all that we lose are Iggy, Kipper, J-bo, and a couple of healthy scratches.

Trade him to whichever team he's willing to go to that gives the best possible return. Full stop. Anything less is madness and might just get you hired as the next GM.

I don't want him to go to the Pens so that he can play with the Croz, I want him to go to whoever gives the Flames the best return. If that happens to be Florida, and he's willing to go there, so be it. (I realize it wouldn't be FLA, and that he wouldn't go there, just illustrating my point)

Obviously. My point was that if, and that is a big if, there isn't much of a market. Trade him for something. There is no point in retaining him for more years of bottom of the league hockey. Also, I was speaking as an Iggy fan, not an armchair GM.

"Well, let's just say Justin Williams is getting their second-line right wing minutes, so Iginla would almost certainly be an upgrade"

Williams gets first line minutes, and also he is really good at playing the sport of hockey (5th in corsi over the last 5 years, 1st this year). If the Kings traded for Iginla they'd probably play him on the 2nd line and put either him or Carter on the left side. but none of this is really happening because the Kings perceive their biggest need to be a shutdown defenseman after losing Mitchell and Greene (and so they're certainly not parting with Muzzin, who is on the first pair, for another forward when forward depth is already their greatest strength).

Yes, they would like Bouwmeester, but never at that price tag. Getting Bouwmeester and risking losing Schultz, Paajarvi, Nugent-Hopkins or Gagner to an offer sheet, or Smid and Fistric to free-agency because you are capped out holds no interest to the current management group.

A three way trade is intriguing. The question becomes, is Feaster capable of putting together enough people to pull it off without getting the short end of the stick. Lowe did it once, Carolina got Erik Cole, L.A. got Justin Williams and Edmonton, they got Patrick O'Sullivan.

Done well, they work. Done poorly, ouch.

As to the comments here about Ken Holland and Detroit being a good fit for Iginla. Holland doesn't make a habit of rental trades. And he certainly would never trade away Jarnkrok, Nyqvist, Jurce, Tatar or any of their other promising prospects for one, even of Iginla's stature.

The keywords of Detroit are stability and a continual supply of young talent. I understand coveting it and wanting one or two for your own team, but they wouldn't even give a sniff of a rental trade for Hemsky last year (a clear Red Wings-style player if ever there was one). Iginla is a much better player than Hemsky, but no so much, in my opinion, to convince Holland to part with his franchises' future.

The best way to acquire players like Jurco, Tatar or Nyqvist is to draft them. They weren't hidden gems on draft day. Everyone knew their potential, but GMs/scouts get blinded by big kids who speak English well and show "grit".

You want to be aggresive but you want to trade Kipper for a 1st and Komisarek? Why not go after something we need like Bozak or Grabo and a 1st, we can add more. We don't need another more expensive version of Sarich.
Edit: I would grab Komi if it got us more. The guy just cleared waivers; he has negative value!

I think all the speculation on the Iginla trade only works to prevent it from happening. In the end, whatever offers come in for Iginla will likely be less than all these speculated returns. And if Feaster does make that deal, more fans would be calling for his head than if we did nothing and pretend that the organization is still going for it.

I also believe that Feaster's mandate is to have financial success over team success. And ironically, doing nothing will ultimately appease more fans and sell more jerseys. Just think of all the Iginla retirement paraphernalia they could sell if he retires a flame.

Sorry man. Cant agree. iggy wants to play for 4 more years, so that retirement paraphenalia wont kick in for several years & they will "lose" the jersey sales by bringing in a new up & comer that gets people excited similar to the buzz when we offer sheeted ROR. If we had gotten, that would have sold new jerseys. Most of us already have Iggy jerseys, why would I want a retirement one anyway?

Boston sounds like #1 and LA #2. This is simply because of connections, period. Ference is a good filriend of Iggy and they are cup worthy. If I'm iggy I go there. On the other hand I can see Iggy wanting to finally decompress for his last contract in the sun. Sutter would pooh himself if he obtained Iggy. He'd double pooh himself if somehow he received jaybo. Not gonna happen but remember he decided to pass on cammi in order to get jaybo. Boston would make me happy. After all they beat the nucks in the finals. They're my team after calgary.

Yes, they would like Bouwmeester, but never at that price tag. Getting Bouwmeester and risking losing Schultz, Paajarvi, Nugent-Hopkins or Gagner to an offer sheet, or Smid and Fistric to free-agency because you are capped out holds no interest to the current management group.

A three way trade is intriguing. The question becomes, is Feaster capable of putting together enough people to pull it off without getting the short end of the stick. Lowe did it once, Carolina got Erik Cole, L.A. got Justin Williams and Edmonton, they got Patrick O'Sullivan.

Done well, they work. Done poorly, ouch.

As to the comments here about Ken Holland and Detroit being a good fit for Iginla. Holland doesn't make a habit of rental trades. And he certainly would never trade away Jarnkrok, Nyqvist, Jurce, Tatar or any of their other promising prospects for one, even of Iginla's stature.

The keywords of Detroit are stability and a continual supply of young talent. I understand coveting it and wanting one or two for your own team, but they wouldn't even give a sniff of a rental trade for Hemsky last year (a clear Red Wings-style player if ever there was one). Iginla is a much better player than Hemsky, but no so much, in my opinion, to convince Holland to part with his franchises' future.

The best way to acquire players like Jurco, Tatar or Nyqvist is to draft them. They weren't hidden gems on draft day. Everyone knew their potential, but GMs/scouts get blinded by big kids who speak English well and show "grit".

Well yes. Certainly I would rather that deal you have in mind. I'd rather have Kadri, or Gardiner, or Morgan Rielly than Bozek or Grabovski even.

But realistically, the first round pick may well be a top 15. Would the Leafs also trade a Bozek, etc for a 35 year old goalie that may retire at years end? I doubt it, that's why I feel we would have to take some dead weight back to make TO cough up this pick.

Well yes. Certainly I would rather that deal you have in mind. I'd rather have Kadri, or Gardiner, or Morgan Rielly than Bozek or Grabovski even.

But realistically, the first round pick may well be a top 15. Would the Leafs also trade a Bozek, etc for a 35 year old goalie that may retire at years end? I doubt it, that's why I feel we would have to take some dead weight back to make TO cough up this pick.

That's my way of thinking...

If Kipper is only worth a mid 1st with $4.5mil OF "dead weight" coming back, then why trade him now. There is no rush unless he has already expressed to management that he is retiring after this year. We can move him at the draft or next deadline, likely for more.

I just think that the Leafs have a chance to make the playoffs this year for the first time in many. And come draft day, maybe Luongo and Miller become in play to TO. Our window to move Kipper may not be as large as we think.

Hey, I hope I'm under-valuing our guys! I was concerned I was maybe over-valuing...

How about this, then....Babchuk and Kipper in exchange for their first and Komisarek?

I just think that the Leafs have a chance to make the playoffs this year for the first time in many. And come draft day, maybe Luongo and Miller become in play to TO. Our window to move Kipper may not be as large as we think.

Hey, I hope I'm under-valuing our guys! I was concerned I was maybe over-valuing...

How about this, then....Babchuk and Kipper in exchange for their first and Komisarek?

I'm not seeing your logic here. Now you want to add a Flame to your trade proposal. If you're thing that we are unloading our dead weight for theirs, I would rather keep Babchuk for th year and then his contract is up. Komi still has 1 yr left on his at $4.5.

I would argue there would be higher sales on Iggy paraphenalia if we trade Iggy and then he resigns in a couple of years, after winning the cup.

That's what I tried to poorly post. I totally agree. Let him go,try win a cup & then sign him to a 1 year deal in 3 years. There will be more excitement than signing him to a cap eating contract on a losing team, that would only frustrate fans. I no longer buy the argument its about filling the building & jersey sales. I have already been seeing Sven jersey's, most people want new & exciting.

Can't understand my logic? Lol no doubt. I had a brain-cramp and didn't send it right! Obviously my wife is right. I can't multi-task well. I meant to include another pick or prospect coming back to the Flames.

No doubt my last post would have been a head scratcher. Sorry, my bad...

I think that the whole idea of discussing a potential trade for Iginla is becoming pointless because it is not the team that has any say in what happens. The whole idea of a change in direction for the franchise is based on the two decisions of one player.

Does he want to move and leave his family for three months while he chases the Stanley Cup?

Does he want to move his family to a different city?

This is a guy that other than his first couple of years in the league has shunned Team Canada (unless it was the Olympics) because he wanted to spend that extra two weeks with his family instead of going to Europe to play some more meaningful hockey. This mother lives in two, his father is in Edmonton, his wife’s parents are in St Albert still, he has a custom built home here in Calgary and another one in Kelowna (seven hours away) that his family loves. His kids are at an age where they have lots of friends and are not going to want to move.

The more I think about it, the more that I really believe that there is only a 20% chance that Iginla leaves at the trade deadline and at most 40% (closer to 35%) that he leaves in the summer. Which means that the Flames are not going to trade any of their other top ten players unless it is a hockey deal that gets them a younger veteran type of player back.

"He can be moved later" because that has worked out sooooo very well for the 'Nucks.

No.....just.......NO!!!!

There has been speculation about VAN (gag) but I just can't see it. Aside from a complete headache for Feaster to justify, I don't they have the pieces we may want. If they want to go Scneids I would consider it, But, just like the Jbo rumors to EDM, the return would have to be a complete raping of our most hated rivals.

If they would trade Iggy for Scneids you would *consider* it? Haha... People have serious misconceptions about a rental UFA Iggy's trade value if you think Vancouver would offer up Schneider and you'd have to consider it.